Genu valgum

Genu valgum

Genu Valgum, commonly referred to as knock-knees, is a condition characterized by an inward curvature of the legs, resulting in the knees coming together while the ankles remain apart. This condition is typically observed in children but can persist or develop in adulthood due to various causes. Genu Valgum can affect one or both legs and can lead to complications if severe and left untreated.

Development

• Infants start out with bowlegs and at age 3, the child becomes knock-kneed.
• When the child stands, the knees touch but the ankles are apart.
• By puberty, the legs straighten out and most children can stand with the knees and ankles touching

Overview

Genu Valgum is commonly seen in children and is often a normal variant of growth, usually correcting itself by the age of 7 to 8 years. However, when the condition persists beyond this age, is severe, or develops in adulthood, it may require medical intervention to prevent further complications.

Causes

• Injury of the shinbone
• Osteomyelitis
• Overweight or obesity
• Rickets

Causes of Genu Valgum include:

• Normal growth and development in children.
• Genetic disorders.
• Obesity, which places extra stress on the knees.
• Conditions affecting bone growth, such as rickets or osteomalacia.
• Injury or infection affecting the knee joint or growth plates.

Genu valgum and Genu Varum

Symptoms

Symptoms of Genu Valgum include:

• Visible inward curvature of the legs.
• Knee pain and stiffness.
• Difficulty walking or running.
• Increased risk of knee joint wear and tear over time.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Genu Valgum involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider. Additional tests may include:

• X-rays to assess the alignment of the legs.
• Blood tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for Genu Valgum depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition:

• Observation and monitoring for children, as the condition often corrects on its own.
• Physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles and improve alignment.
• Weight loss programs for individuals with obesity.
• Orthotic devices to provide knee support and improve leg alignment.
• Surgery, in severe cases, to correct the alignment of the legs.

• Knock knees are not treated in most cases.
• If the problem continues after age 7, the child may use a night brace. This brace is attached to a shoe.
• Surgery may be considered for knock knees that are severe and continue beyond late childhood.

Genu valgum

Investigations

• History, physical examination, genetic or family history, tests for vitamin D, calcium, and other metabolic factors, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI and or CT scan may also be needed.

Prognosis

• Children normally outgrow knock knees without treatment, unless it is caused by a disease.
• If surgery is needed, the results are most often good.

Complications

• Difficulty walking
• Self-esteem changes related to cosmetic appearance of knock knees
• If left untreated, knock knees can lead to early arthritis of the knee

Potential Complications

If left untreated, severe Genu Valgum can lead to:

• Increased risk of knee osteoarthritis.
• Gait abnormalities, leading to hip or ankle issues.
• Pain and reduced mobility.

See Also

• Osteoarthritis
• Orthopedic surgery
• Physical therapy
• Rickets

References

• "Genu Valgum in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment" provides comprehensive information on managing knock-knees in pediatric patients.
• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers guidelines on the surgical correction of Genu Valgum.

External Links

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - Official website with resources on various orthopedic conditions, including Genu Valgum.
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) - A collection of articles and studies related to Genu Valgum.
• Genu varum

Genu valgum Resources
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